Getting Started

Getting Started

Ready to experience a new part of the world but need a little guidance? No problem.

Study abroad doesn’t need to be daunting. Most colleges have a Study Abroad Office that can guide you through the steps. Once you register with SRAS, you will also have your own personal SRAS advisor to help facilitate the process.

Start today! In the side menu on the right, you will find the information you need to know about SRAS programs. We’ve also outlined the general process of studying abroad with us below – so you can take it one step at a time.

Select a Program

The first thing you should do is decide which program fits best with your personal and academic interests. Try using our Program Finder, or contact us for a consultation. We are happy to make recommendations based on your interests and goals.

If you are currently enrolled in a university, visit your home university’s Study Abroad Office (or similar) early in the process – they can advise you during the program selection process, let you know about any university deadlines for study abroad, advise you regarding your financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and so on. Some universities require that you complete an application for study abroad with them before you apply for the program itself.

You will need to complete the SRAS application (see our Program Finder and click on the program to access the application). Again, if you are currently enrolled in a university, you will also need to contact your Study Abroad Office (or similar) and will usually need to complete an application for your home university as well. The SRAS application is pretty straightforward. You will need your passport information. If you do not have a passport yet, apply for that immediately. If it’s already close to our program deadline, check with us to see if you might need expedited passport processing. It is important to note as well that in some cases where a visa is required, your passport may need to be valid for 18 months past your planned entry date.

Apply for the Program

You will need to complete the SRAS application (see our Program Finder and click on the program to access the application). Again, if you are currently enrolled in a university, you will also need to contact your Study Abroad Office (or similar) and will usually need to complete an application for your home university as well.

The SRAS application is pretty straight-forward. You will need your passport information. If you do not have a passport yet, apply for that immediately. If it’s close to our program deadline, check with us to see if you might need expedited passport processing. It is important to note as well that in some cases where a visa is required, your passport may need to be valid for 18 months past your planned entry date. Submitting your application also creates an SRAS user account, which you will use for the next steps.

Complete Your Enrollment

Once you are accepted into an SRAS program, you will have some new enrollment tasks to complete (e-signing contracts, purchasing flights, etc.). You will need to check your SRAS user account periodically for upcoming deadlines and generally stay in contact with us so that all goes smoothly. Stay in touch with your home university (usually the Study Abroad Office) as well to make sure you are all set for credit transfer and, if applicable, financial aid transfer.

Get Ready to Depart

Now you have all the paperwork out of the way and you are ready for your adventure. Our Student Services Manager will be in touch with you to make sure you feel prepared for your experience abroad. You will receive detailed information on packing for your destination, what to expect when you arrive at the airport, your fellow SRAS students, strategies for dealing with culture shock and adapting to your new environment, how to bring guests over, and much more! We’ll also be available throughout your experience abroad to answer questions, resolve any issues that arise, and help you achieve your goals. We can’t wait to meet you abroad.

I wanted to find a program that combined my love of Russia and my passion for environmental studies. Because of my interest in environmental issues, Lake Baikal had always been a site of interest to me. Studying abroad in Siberia gives you the opportunity to see a completely different side of Russia and the Russian people. Just think, few people at home even know that Siberia is anything but a wintery tundra!

I. Korsgard

I spent Fall and Spring with your program in St. Petersburg and it was truly the highlight and culmination of my University experience and just a banner year! I can’t thank you enough for or gush enough about your program. I recommend it to just about everyone I talk to, whether or not they’re interested in learning Russian.

B. LewisUniversity of Utah

My semester back home so far has been incredibly influenced by my semester abroad with SRAS and I find myself talking about it almost daily. Since many of my classes touch on the region (Europe after Socialism, Central Asian Politics), I’m able to add comments and insights unavailable to me before. My contributions to our Russian club have also been greatly enriched. Thank you for everything you did to facilitate this experience and going out of your way to ensure our success.

E. FinnUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst

At a time in my life when I was at a crossroads regarding where my career might take me, this course showed me a path that truly inspired me, and I haven’t looked back since.

B. DeYoungReed College

The program here is wonderful. All of my teachers have been extremely helpful and I have made friends both here in the dorms and with others who live in the city and find that I often have many opportunities to practice Russian outside of the classroom. The university also has a speaking club which is comprised of both Russian and foreign students solely for the purpose of speaking practice in Russian. Already I feel that my Russian has improved immensely,especially my listening and speaking.

J. WilburnUniversity of South Carolina

I’ve studied in Irkutsk and St. Petersburg with SRAS, but [Bishkek] is, by far, my favorite because of the intense focus on speaking skills. I spend about three hours, 4 times a week speaking one-on-one. It’s such a unique opportunity! The people are also especially friendly here. My homestay is fantastic, the coordinator is a never-ending wealth of help, and the food of Central Asia is delicious.

C. HughesThe Evergreen State College

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